One of my dreams for a while has been to get my doctorate. I never thought that it would become a reality as I recognized the rigor, time, and money it takes to achieve that. I didn’t think that I could stop work to do that full time and I didn’t feel smart enough to go through such additional schooling. However, after some encouraging words and an amazing opportunity through my school, I find myself on this journey to get my doctorate (ED.D) in 3 years. It is not a Ph.D., which usually takes 5 years or so and is a full-time commitment.
I am incredibly thankful that I’m part of a cohort of 23 teachers and administrators from my school that is embarking on this journey. I feel very supported by my school as they have been incredibly supportive throughout this experience. I felt encouraged by admin. to apply for the program when I had asked them about their experiences. We already had one cohort of teachers and admin. go through this program a few years ago.
We are getting an educational doctorate in educational leadership through U.S.C. in California. It is a hybrid of an online program, where we Zoom with our Professors on Saturday mornings and they fly into Singapore for a few days as well. I have been soaking up everything I’ve been learning in our courses and applying what I learn to the classroom and to the work that I do daily with my colleagues as a learner and leader.
I’m not sure where this program will lead me. People have asked if I want to go into administration or become a professor afterward, and the answer is I don’t know. As I’ve been learning so much through my classes, my ideas on dissertation topics keep changing. My passions and areas that I want to study keep changing and morphing as I continue to see the inequities that are apparent in our education systems.
Through this journey, I’ve been reminded of why I entered into this field of education as an ambitious, idealistic, naive 21-year-old New Yorker. I’m reminded that there is so much work that needs to get done in education and I can continue to push against the structures, challenge the status quo, and empower the people in my spheres of influence.
So here I am, finishing my first year of the program and contemplating how I can be an anti-racist educator and continue to fight against inequity. I would feel grateful if you can journey alongside of me!
Many congratulations!! Sending strength, energy, and joy towards your continued journey!
Thanks!!!! I’m very excited….and will need all the strength, energy, and joy!!
This is awesome. Congrats and I wish you much strength to complete this program. It’s going to be an arduous journey for sure. With this, I know you will be making more of a difference in so many young people’s lives.
Love this! So inspiring!! Thank you for sharing 🙂 ❤️